Plans to stabilise and expand power grid on the cards - Ramokgopa

JOHANNEBURG - Plans to expand and stabilise the country’s power grid are on the cards.

Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced that a pilot project was in the works that would see the privatisation of parts of Eskom’s infrastructure.

He said that bidding to help build over 14,000 kilometres of new electricity lines would open soon.

The initiative is expected to span over 10 years.

Ramokgopa detailed the strict criteria for granting tenders, how the project’s R440 billion cost would be covered, and timelines to improve energy security and boost economic growth.

But the project faces hurdles, a stagnant economy, reluctance from National Treasury to fund it, and structural constraints.

Still, Ramokgopa insisted that private sector participation was the answer.

"For us to be able do that, we need about R440 billion, so the state is not in a position to provide that kind of support, and then that needs to be funded from the private sector."

The first phase aims to add over 1,600 kilometres of electricity lines within a year.